Summer

Narrated by the author and presented here as a work of audio theatre, Summer is a collection of interconnected and thought-provoking essays and short stories that challenge travellers to see the world through a fresh lens. As de Ko travels through Summer, this 21st-century explorer highlights the spirit and struggles shared by every global citizen as we all navigate an increasingly complex and evolving modern society. Armed only with a computer and a passport, de Ko strides into the unfamiliar and emerges with new insights about far-off places, the people that live there, and his own assumptions. Questing for unique experiences beyond the tourist trail, and ever in need of faster internet, de Ko’s stories remind us to slay our sacred cows and see the beauty that exists beyond our comfort zone. Whether discussing nuanced socio-political issues with family, friends, and strangers from across the globe; contemplating the absurdity of the outdated ideas we cling to without justification; living through a revolution in Beirut; learning about the true meaning of gift-giving in the townships of Harare; or coping with jet lag in the company of a bear of great renown, de Ko’s reflections on the meaning of Summer—each the germination of story flowers in the enthralling garden of life—remind us why we travel, how deeply connected we all are, that none of us accomplish anything alone, and that stories, like kindness, are everywhere. Duration - 10h 23m. Author - Ian Baird. Narrator - Ian Baird. Published Date - Sunday, 11 January 2026. Copyright - © 2026 Ian Baird ©.